New addition to underwater park

Jason Taylor.

 By Linda Straker

BY the end of the week, the Underwater Park in Moliniere will have 28 new additions, increasing the number of pieces of 105.

What maybe started as unrealistic idea or dream of Jason Taylor’s has now slowly become a wonder of the world, having received recognition from publications such as National Geographic and others whose work focuses on showcasing the persons who have developed ideas that created positive changes.

“My desire was to contribute towards the rebuilding of reefs in this beautiful diving area,” said Taylor. When he commenced his work of designing, he sought the involvement of the Government of Grenada as he saw the potential of his idea, though some were hesitant. Despite the many ups and downs, the Park has now become a major attraction and a must-visit, especially for divers.

The Park was somewhat uncared for for a while, especially in the aftermath of hurricane Ivan, whose damage devastated the country in 2004. Now it is managed by Grenada Underwater Park Management Inc.

“We saw the value of the attraction; it gave people a reason to book their flight to Grenada,” said Howard Clarke of the GUPM.

The Underwater Park in Moliniere will have 28 new
additions, increasing the number of pieces of 105. 

The new addition was project undertaken by the GUPM costing US$30 000 which received sponsorship from a number of local corporate bodies including St. George’s University; LIME Grenada; True Bay Resort; First Impression; Aquanauts and many other stakeholders.

The pieces will be lowered into the Park and, within 18 months, become unrecognisable as they will become the home for many in the marine world. “This is all good for the Marine Environment,” said Dr. Claire Morrall of the SGU. “It will take the pressure off the natural reef,” she said.

Taylor, who presently works from his studio in Mexico, is also building a similar park in the waters there. Though bigger than the one in Grenada, he said that his first park will always be special to him as it was the foundation piece for him.

“And others saw the possibilities and now it’s a natural acceptance,” he said.